Standing Orders for Local Councils

NALC is pleased to announce the publication of ‘Standing Orders for Local Councils’. This is the definitive source of local (parish and town) council administration law.

This easy-to-read and use practical guide on the administration law of local councils in England and Wales provides excellent detailed and accurate information about all aspects in the running of local councils. Parts 1 and 2 of this vital book incorporate the most recent legislation, which affects you as a council member and/or officer.

Part 1 explains the law and the practical implications in respect of above subject areas. More importantly there is relevant commentary to explain why standing orders and other tools for governance are necessary.

Part 1 comprises the following sections:

• the constitution of local councils
• the legal framework of local councils
• the doctrine of ultra vires
• delegation arrangements
• local council employees
• engaging with the public
• effective governance
• council meetings
• procedure and mechanics of debate
• chairing meetings

Part 2 of the publication provides a comprehensive set of model standing orders for councils to use as they wish.

Some model standing orders reflect statutory requirements (such as power of well being for councils in England) and can be adopted as drafted. Other model standing orders are intended to assist in the organisation and management of council business. Some of these standing orders incorporate arrangements and processes which regulate:

• the rules of debate at a meeting
• tabling a matter for debate at meetings
• maintaining order at meetings
• public participation at meetings
• management of staff
• dealing with complaints and requests for information
• relations with the press and media
• responsibilities of the proper officer(s)

NALC is delighted to offer member councils, an electronic MS word version of Part 2 (including Model Standing Orders) free of charge. Members can download this from the members’ area of the NALC website – please click here (you must log in to read this document).

The pricing structure for Standing Orders for Local Councils and the Electronic Version of Part 2 (including Model Standing Orders) are as follows:

The Pricing Structure for Standing Orders for Local Councils:

	Print Version of Standing Orders for Local Councils	Electronic Version of Part 2 (including Model Standing Orders)
Non-member rate per copy	£35 (cover price)	Not available
Member rate per copy	£25	Free
Member rate per copy (for 10 or more copies)	£20	Free

How to order:

To order the new all-important Standing Orders for Local Councils, member councils should contact their local County Association and order through them. It is a matter for local County Associations how they decide to handle orders or queries from non-member councils. The National Association can handle non-member councils orders or queries directly, if need be.

All orders from County Associations should be placed using the NALC publications order form. Orders should be sent to Laura-Jane Buttle via email at laura-jane.buttle@nalc.gov.uk, or by fax on 020 7436 7451 or by post to the NALC office.

Your Standing Orders for Local Councils will be dispatched within two weeks of your order date.

1 February 2010